“He has the ability to play on both the left or right side. That means he should have the opportunity to play himself onto a line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Should he not get to the top line, a spot on the right with Alex Newhook and Brendan Gallagher.”
Why is everyone sleeping on Dach?
anxiousnl
Really depends on injuries. If healthy they should be competitive for a spot at least.
Longtimelurker2575
“Ready to make a move towards the playoffs” is not exactly a playoff team. Don’t get me wrong, I believe with a healthy Dach, improved defense and Monty and Primeau at the top of their game and multiple players taking a step forward then we get a wildcard spot. That’s a lot of big “ifs” though. Figure our chances are 50/50 at best for this year.
Jaynki
I think we are strongly in the mix.
Hutson, Dach and Laine is potentially the addition of three impact player. No teams has this injection of talent in the league this season.
Also, if we have Peak Laine, i don’t think people are ready for how great and dominant this player is. Peak Laine is an absolute gamebreaking talent and has the ability to carry the team.
3oysters
I’m inclined to agree, but it’s by no means a sure thing especially in the Atlantic.
But, even as injured as we were, we were playing some damn good hockey to end the season there. It wasn’t just Slaf’s emergence, the team really looked to be coming together.
Our first line was a bonafide 1st line, the Newhook line was solid, Jake Evans was a beast but the other plugs in the bottom 6 really held us back. Those plugs, thankfully, are gone.
The main question marks will be: how Laine performs, if Dach picks up where he left off, if our blue line can be more impactful and consistent, and obviously health.
But our depth issue shouldn’t be as hindering as it was last year. Having Laine there in the top 6 allows us to play other guys in a more suitable bottom 6 role, and even in the case of an injury we shouldn’t have to scrounge to make something work. Armia, Newhook, and Roy are all guys who could play in the top 6 in a pinch (I assume one of them simply starts there)
It’s not the end of the world if we don’t get there, provided that we still take a step in the right direction. Our Blue line will certainly have hiccups along the way. But the boys played their hearts out last season and kind of forced me to believe that they can take the next step.
I completely understand if you don’t agree. Just please don’t bother me with it. I don’t care about your “realism”. I’m all in on this squad. I was already higher on this team than most before we got Laine.
SorryPro
I prefer to keep my expectations low and be pleasantly surprised if anything
YuhYuhYaSeen
A lot of our top prospects won’t come up for at least another year.
I think we’re another 1-2 years out but I think the Habs will be a Cup contender within the next few years
nhabster
Add a veteran plus a good season from Montembeault and yes
GolfIsGood66
I think we’ll be in the hunt at least. It’s going to be a really exciting year. Possible breakout years for Dach, Cole, Slaf plus a possible resurgent Laine along with our young Dmen having another year under their belts.
Then the big X factor of Marty the best coach in the league imo.
We might be a year early though but it’s hard not to get hyped.
Souche
This reminds me so much of when we added Kovalev. The difference is that Kovalev instantly became our best forward, whereas Laine doesn’t need to be better than Suzuki, Caufield, Slaf and Demidov starting next year. He comes in without the pressure of carrying the offense by himself. I think we’ll push for a playoff spot this coming season. And starting in 2025, the Demidov ELC window will see us contend for a cup. That leaves us with a solid 3 year window between 2025 and 2028. I say we do it. Now just imagine adding Crosby as a UFA on a semi-friendly deal for that window lol… Not impossible considering he has yet to extend with the Pens even though he’s eligible for an extension since July 1st. It’s fine to dream!
OnlineEgg
my partner is a leafs fan and he thinks the habs have a wildcard spot in the horizon this season. he’s jealous of what our front office has done over the past 3 years. idc if we make the playoffs, as long as we’re playing meaningful games in march im happy. the upward trajectory of this team will be something to watch this season, but im also hopeful for the future. with the addition of demidov and reinbacher next season, i think that’s when we truly can become competitive
xc2215x
If we stay healthy then who knows.
donhoa
Habs are a playoff team if everyone is healthy in my opinion
Habsfan_2000
Correct
SpacemanQc
I surely thing we make a big step this year and fight till the end but I think our defense still need more milleage. After that its all about what happen with Dach and Laine. If they play all year and produce, this can make the playoff next year with more mature Reinbacher, Hutson, Guhle, Xhekaj, Mailloux and Barron with the addition of Demidov.
paladinx17
I’d say we are close. But a lot rides on how our young D core develops and how our goalie tandem plays! If they are as good or better than last year I would agree we are much closer. The young D will develop this year as well
Safe-Storm6464
Boys I love the enthusiasm but we will be a fringe wild card spot at our absolute best with little or no injuries.
ukrainianhab
Just want to be close ish
MinikinsNinnikins
I’m not sure the guy who wrote the article has ever watched the Habs. Monty has proven to be our #1, Dach will be centering Laine on line #2, and Gallagher will certainly not be on line #2. He may not know the Habs, but at least he got all the details wrong 😛
Phil_Atelist
I would prefer that they finish a lottery team than 17th. But if they make the top 16 then I am all for it. A great learning experience all around.
BagBeth
ça sent la coupe 🤡
NME_TV
Chill boys, I want him to bounce back as much as the next guy but as of right my now he’s more of a Monahan Project than a playoff piece.
Muter91
Everyone ignoring our bad defense. Overall our scoring should improve but our D has a ways to go before we can be competitive
pseudoevil
It should read: If the team can stay healthy, especially Dach and Laine, this team should fight for a playoff spot. Could they get in? possibly. But there’s a lot that does have to fall right. It could.
AmonDiexJr
The Big line: Slaf Dach Laine
BubbleGumPlant
Poorly written article: – Gallagher instead of Dach on the 2nd line – Primeau’s potential of being a top 10 goalie in the league. There’s a chance but that’s quite the reach. I wouldn’t put Primeau in the top 10 goalie prospects right now. – Demidov having a good chance of playing on the opening night roster… He’s destined for the KHL this year
paul_33
To do what, make the playoffs or get through the playoffs? These are not the same thing.
Ok-Escape-2018
lol
dawnofthedunk_
The ~~Kovalev~~ Laine impact.
Considering he is the most impactful forward we’ve had since Kovy, this tracks.
31 Comments
No, not yet.
“He has the ability to play on both the left or right side. That means he should have the opportunity to play himself onto a line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Should he not get to the top line, a spot on the right with Alex Newhook and Brendan Gallagher.”
Why is everyone sleeping on Dach?
Really depends on injuries. If healthy they should be competitive for a spot at least.
“Ready to make a move towards the playoffs” is not exactly a playoff team. Don’t get me wrong, I believe with a healthy Dach, improved defense and Monty and Primeau at the top of their game and multiple players taking a step forward then we get a wildcard spot. That’s a lot of big “ifs” though. Figure our chances are 50/50 at best for this year.
I think we are strongly in the mix.
Hutson, Dach and Laine is potentially the addition of three impact player. No teams has this injection of talent in the league this season.
Also, if we have Peak Laine, i don’t think people are ready for how great and dominant this player is. Peak Laine is an absolute gamebreaking talent and has the ability to carry the team.
I’m inclined to agree, but it’s by no means a sure thing especially in the Atlantic.
But, even as injured as we were, we were playing some damn good hockey to end the season there. It wasn’t just Slaf’s emergence, the team really looked to be coming together.
Our first line was a bonafide 1st line, the Newhook line was solid, Jake Evans was a beast but the other plugs in the bottom 6 really held us back. Those plugs, thankfully, are gone.
The main question marks will be: how Laine performs, if Dach picks up where he left off, if our blue line can be more impactful and consistent, and obviously health.
But our depth issue shouldn’t be as hindering as it was last year. Having Laine there in the top 6 allows us to play other guys in a more suitable bottom 6 role, and even in the case of an injury we shouldn’t have to scrounge to make something work. Armia, Newhook, and Roy are all guys who could play in the top 6 in a pinch (I assume one of them simply starts there)
It’s not the end of the world if we don’t get there, provided that we still take a step in the right direction. Our Blue line will certainly have hiccups along the way. But the boys played their hearts out last season and kind of forced me to believe that they can take the next step.
I completely understand if you don’t agree. Just please don’t bother me with it. I don’t care about your “realism”. I’m all in on this squad. I was already higher on this team than most before we got Laine.
I prefer to keep my expectations low and be pleasantly surprised if anything
A lot of our top prospects won’t come up for at least another year.
I think we’re another 1-2 years out but I think the Habs will be a Cup contender within the next few years
Add a veteran plus a good season from Montembeault and yes
I think we’ll be in the hunt at least. It’s going to be a really exciting year. Possible breakout years for Dach, Cole, Slaf plus a possible resurgent Laine along with our young Dmen having another year under their belts.
Then the big X factor of Marty the best coach in the league imo.
We might be a year early though but it’s hard not to get hyped.
This reminds me so much of when we added Kovalev. The difference is that Kovalev instantly became our best forward, whereas Laine doesn’t need to be better than Suzuki, Caufield, Slaf and Demidov starting next year. He comes in without the pressure of carrying the offense by himself. I think we’ll push for a playoff spot this coming season. And starting in 2025, the Demidov ELC window will see us contend for a cup. That leaves us with a solid 3 year window between 2025 and 2028. I say we do it. Now just imagine adding Crosby as a UFA on a semi-friendly deal for that window lol… Not impossible considering he has yet to extend with the Pens even though he’s eligible for an extension since July 1st. It’s fine to dream!
my partner is a leafs fan and he thinks the habs have a wildcard spot in the horizon this season. he’s jealous of what our front office has done over the past 3 years. idc if we make the playoffs, as long as we’re playing meaningful games in march im happy. the upward trajectory of this team will be something to watch this season, but im also hopeful for the future. with the addition of demidov and reinbacher next season, i think that’s when we truly can become competitive
If we stay healthy then who knows.
Habs are a playoff team if everyone is healthy in my opinion
Correct
I surely thing we make a big step this year and fight till the end but I think our defense still need more milleage. After that its all about what happen with Dach and Laine. If they play all year and produce, this can make the playoff next year with more mature Reinbacher, Hutson, Guhle, Xhekaj, Mailloux and Barron with the addition of Demidov.
I’d say we are close. But a lot rides on how our young D core develops and how our goalie tandem plays! If they are as good or better than last year I would agree we are much closer. The young D will develop this year as well
Boys I love the enthusiasm but we will be a fringe wild card spot at our absolute best with little or no injuries.
Just want to be close ish
I’m not sure the guy who wrote the article has ever watched the Habs. Monty has proven to be our #1, Dach will be centering Laine on line #2, and Gallagher will certainly not be on line #2. He may not know the Habs, but at least he got all the details wrong 😛
I would prefer that they finish a lottery team than 17th. But if they make the top 16 then I am all for it. A great learning experience all around.
ça sent la coupe 🤡
Chill boys, I want him to bounce back as much as the next guy but as of right my now he’s more of a Monahan Project than a playoff piece.
Everyone ignoring our bad defense. Overall our scoring should improve but our D has a ways to go before we can be competitive
It should read: If the team can stay healthy, especially Dach and Laine, this team should fight for a playoff spot. Could they get in? possibly. But there’s a lot that does have to fall right. It could.
The Big line:
Slaf Dach Laine
Poorly written article:
– Gallagher instead of Dach on the 2nd line
– Primeau’s potential of being a top 10 goalie in the league. There’s a chance but that’s quite the reach. I wouldn’t put Primeau in the top 10 goalie prospects right now.
– Demidov having a good chance of playing on the opening night roster… He’s destined for the KHL this year
To do what, make the playoffs or get through the playoffs? These are not the same thing.
lol
The ~~Kovalev~~ Laine impact.
Considering he is the most impactful forward we’ve had since Kovy, this tracks.
Alright take it ease